Objective: To evaluate the association of early-onset AGA (androgenetic alopecia) and metabolic syndrome in the younger male population.
Study design: Case-control study.
Place and duration of study: Department of Dermatology, Mayo Hospital Lahore, from October 2017 to March 2018.
Methodology: A total of 202 patients were enrolled, 101 male patients with early-onset AGA (cases with a alopecia between 20-36 years of age), and were matched with 101 controls. All measurements regarding BMI, metabolic syndrome, and grades of alopecia were recorded on a pre-designed proforma.
Results: Of the 101 cases (mean age 27.77 ± 5.04 years), 27 (26.7%) had grade 3, 41 (40.6%) had grade 4, 29 (28.7%) had grade 5 and 4 (4%) had grade 6 AGA. Patients of AGA had an approximate four times increased frequency of metabolic syndrome. Of the cases 12 (11.9%) had metabolic syndrome whereas it was found in 3 (3%) of the control group. A significant association was found between cases of AGA and metabolic syndrome (p=0.016).
Conclusion: This study suggests a significant association of AGA with metabolic syndrome. Key Words: Androgenetic alopecia, Metabolic syndrome, Early-onset alopecia, Cardiovascular disease.